0
0
Fifty-seven years ago, three babies popped into this world, right around this time of year, who changed the course of basketball history forever.
The first, born on February 17th, was Michael Jordan. He entered the world in Brooklyn, NY and eventually attended high school in Wilmington, North Carolina.
We all know what happened after that.
His stardom kicked into high gear when he drained the game-winning shot for North Carolina in the national championship game to beat Georgetown.
Next, “Air Jordan” snatched six NBA championships and became universally recognized as the greatest basketball player of all time.
Barkley born in Leeds, Alabama
Three days later in that same year, on February 20th, 1963, Charles Barkley made his first appearance in this world in Leeds, Alabama.
The “Round Mound of Rebound” lifted Auburn to a nationally respected team and went on to become a star player on the 1992 US Olympics Dream Team.
An NBA Hall of Famer, Barkley has also capitalized on his charismatic personality to become an award-winning NBA analyst on TNT.
Third Guy Born in Bethesda, Maryland
Two days after Sir Charles entered this world, on February 22, yet another mega-star in the basketball world came into our lives. A native of Bethesda, Maryland, he dominated CYO basketball leagues from third through eighth grade.
In one year alone, 1977, he won the MVP Awards in the St. John’s, Georgetown Prep, Good Counsel, and Knights of Columbus basketball tournaments.
In high school, he continued to raise his game on the basketball court. As a freshman, he led the St. John’s JV team in scoring and rebounding.
During his junior and senior years, he led St. John’s to victories over the nation’s best high school team, DeMatha. Along the way, he worked as a scorer and timer, referee, and coach at Morgan Wootten’s summer basketball camps.
Beat the Eps
In 1981, he hauled in 17 rebounds and popped in 10 points in a classic college victory over the Sig Ep fraternity.
In his own way, the “Bethesda Bomber” became as famous a basketball player as Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. The mark he left on the game remains as undeniable and indelible as anything Jordan and Barkley ever accomplished.
Who is this guy?
Sammy Sportface
Author Profile
-
Sammy Sportface, a sports blogger, galvanizes, inspires, and amuses The Baby Boomer Brotherhood. And you can learn about his vision and join this group's Facebook page here:
Sammy Sportface Has a Vision -- Check It Out
Sammy Sportface -- The Baby Boomer Brotherhood Blog -- Facebook Page
Latest entries
BonusFebruary 2, 2025You Know You’re Getting Old When…
BonusJanuary 27, 2025Full Day of Yardwork, House Cleaning This Afternoon
BonusJanuary 26, 2025Perplexity Predicts Sportface’s Perplexing Blogs For Skins Super Bowl Berth
BonusJanuary 24, 2025Deluge of D.C. Fellas Flock to Skins Super Bowl Party
